Beaumont

This is The Museum Capital of Texas." The city dates from 1824 when it was known as Tevis Bluff after the first settlers Noah and Nancy Tevis. In 1835 Henry Millard and partners bought the Tevis' property for a planned town. Beaumont was Millard's wife's maiden name. The First Congress of the Republic of Texas granted a charter in 1838 and Beaumont was designated as the Jefferson County seat. The city came of age in 1901 with the Spindletop oil gusher. Today it is an industrial giant, major port agricultural center and home to Lamar University.

A number of entertainment options are available. The South Texas State Fair in the spring is very popular. Ford Park (409/951-5400) includes an arena, exhibit hall, fairground, RV park, softball complex and amphitheater. The Julie Rogers Theatre (409/838-3435 or 800/782-3081) hosts the Symphony of Southeast Texas, Beaumont Civic Opera, Beaumont Civic Ballet and Beaumont Ballet Theatre.

The St. Anthony Cathedral at 700 Jefferson Drive is modeled after St. Paul's Basilica in Rome. For an appointment call 409/833-6433.